28544, Midway Park, North Carolina Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 28544, Midway Park, North Carolina is 28 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near Jacksonville, NC (ZIP Code 28544)

Navigating healthcare can be daunting. This review provides an "Overall Health Score" assessment of hospitals serving the Jacksonville, North Carolina (ZIP code 28544) area, focusing on key metrics like quality of care, accessibility, and patient experience. This is not a simple ranking, but a comprehensive overview to help you make informed decisions.

**The Landscape: Key Players and Considerations**

The primary healthcare provider in the Jacksonville area is **Naval Medical Center Camp Lejeune (NMCCL)**, serving active-duty military personnel, their families, and retirees. However, civilian residents often rely on nearby hospitals for their healthcare needs. The closest options include **Onslow Memorial Hospital** in Jacksonville and hospitals in Wilmington, about an hour's drive away. This geographical reality significantly impacts access to specialized care and emergency services.

**Onslow Memorial Hospital: A Community Anchor**

Onslow Memorial Hospital (OMH) is the primary civilian hospital serving Jacksonville. It is a 150-bed facility and a vital resource for the community. OMH's performance is a critical factor in the overall health score for the area.

**Quality of Care: CMS Star Ratings and Beyond**

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) provides a star rating system for hospitals, offering a snapshot of quality. As of late 2023, OMH has a **3-star rating** from CMS. This rating reflects its performance across various categories, including mortality, safety of care, readmission rates, patient experience, and timely and effective care. It's important to remember that these ratings are just one piece of the puzzle.

Beyond the CMS rating, OMH's performance can be assessed through other publicly available data. For example, the hospital participates in the American College of Surgeons' National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP), which tracks surgical outcomes and helps hospitals improve their processes. Reviewing these metrics can provide a more nuanced view of surgical care quality.

**Emergency Room Performance: A Critical Metric**

ER wait times are a crucial indicator of hospital accessibility. OMH's ER wait times are a significant factor in the overall health score. Publicly available data from sources like ProPublica and the CMS Hospital Compare website can provide insights into average ER wait times, which can fluctuate depending on patient volume and staffing. Shorter wait times generally indicate better efficiency and responsiveness.

**Specialty Services: Availability and Access**

The availability of specialized medical services is a key consideration. OMH offers a range of services, including cardiology, oncology, orthopedics, and women's health. However, the depth and breadth of these services are limited compared to larger, tertiary care centers. Patients requiring highly specialized care, such as complex cardiac procedures or advanced cancer treatments, may need to travel to hospitals in Wilmington or beyond.

**Telehealth: Expanding Access**

Telehealth services are increasingly important, particularly in rural areas. OMH has been expanding its telehealth capabilities, providing virtual consultations and follow-up appointments. This can improve access to care, especially for patients with mobility issues or those living far from the hospital. The availability and utilization of telehealth services are a positive factor in the overall health score.

**Patient Experience: Feedback and Satisfaction**

Patient experience is a crucial element of overall health. Patient satisfaction surveys, such as those conducted by the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS), provide valuable insights into patient perceptions of care. These surveys assess factors like communication with doctors and nurses, responsiveness of staff, cleanliness of the hospital, and pain management. Analyzing HCAHPS scores helps gauge patient satisfaction levels.

**Hospital in Wilmington: A Regional Resource**

The hospitals in Wilmington, North Carolina, provide additional options for residents of the Jacksonville area. **New Hanover Regional Medical Center (NHRMC)**, now part of Novant Health, is a larger, more comprehensive facility than OMH.

**NHRMC: A Flagship Facility**

NHRMC is a regional referral center with a broader range of specialty services and a higher level of care. It boasts a **4-star CMS rating**, reflecting a higher overall quality of care compared to OMH. This rating is a significant factor in the overall health score for the region.

**ER Performance and Specialty Centers**

NHRMC typically has longer ER wait times than OMH due to its higher patient volume. However, the hospital's ER is equipped to handle a wider range of emergencies and offers specialized services, such as a dedicated stroke center and a Level II Trauma Center.

NHRMC offers a more extensive array of specialty centers, including comprehensive cardiology, oncology, and neurosurgery programs. This allows patients in the Jacksonville area to access more advanced care without traveling to distant cities.

**Telehealth and Patient Experience at NHRMC**

NHRMC has a robust telehealth program, offering virtual consultations and remote monitoring services. This expands access to care and improves patient convenience. Patient satisfaction scores at NHRMC are generally good, reflecting the hospital's commitment to patient-centered care.

**Other Considerations: The Impact of NMCCL**

While NMCCL primarily serves military personnel, its presence significantly impacts the healthcare landscape in Jacksonville. It provides a valuable resource for the military community and also eases the burden on civilian hospitals by caring for a large population. However, the availability of services and access to care at NMCCL are primarily restricted to eligible beneficiaries.

**The Overall Health Score: A Synthesis**

The overall health score for the Jacksonville area is a composite of several factors. OMH serves as the primary community hospital, providing essential services. Its 3-star CMS rating and ER wait times are important considerations. The availability of specialty services is limited compared to regional centers.

NHRMC in Wilmington significantly enhances the overall health score. Its 4-star CMS rating, broader range of specialty services, and robust telehealth program provide residents with access to a higher level of care. However, the longer travel time and potentially longer ER wait times must be considered.

The presence of NMCCL provides a valuable resource for the military community.

**Accessibility and Transportation**

Transportation is a critical factor in healthcare access. Patients without reliable transportation may face challenges accessing hospitals, especially those in Wilmington. The availability of public transportation and ride-sharing services can impact the overall health score.

**The Verdict: Balancing Proximity and Specialization**

For residents of the 28544 ZIP code, the optimal approach to healthcare involves understanding the strengths and limitations of both OMH and NHRMC. For routine care and less complex medical needs, OMH provides convenient access. For specialized care, especially for complex medical conditions, NHRMC offers a higher level of expertise and resources.

**Recommendations for Patients**

* **Research:** Before seeking care, research the specific needs and the hospitals available.
* **Consider Travel:** Be prepared to travel to Wilmington for specialized care.
* **Telehealth:** Utilize telehealth services to improve access to care.
* **Ask Questions:** Ask your primary care physician for recommendations and guidance.
* **Review Ratings:** Consider CMS star ratings and other publicly available data.
* **Evaluate Wait Times:** Be aware of potential ER wait times and consider urgent care options.

The overall health score for the Jacksonville area reflects a blend of community-based care and access to regional resources. While OMH provides essential services, the proximity of NHRMC in Wilmington significantly elevates the overall quality of care available to residents. By understanding these factors and proactively managing their healthcare needs, residents of the 28544 ZIP code can navigate the healthcare landscape effectively.